Edward Gregory Schaffer

Zell, SD

1939, 792, Roubaix, F-6,

Edward Gregory Schaffer, 88, of Zell, SD, died at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen, SD on Saturday, October 2nd. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, October 6th at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Zell. Monsignor James Andraschko will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Edward was born February 24, 1922 to Joseph and Lena (Schade) Schaffer at Redfield. He attended a rural school in Wheaton Township, except for one year at St. Mary's Catholic School at Zell.

He married Betty Bush November 26, 1946. They were blessed with ten children.

Ed was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Zell. He served on the church, elevator, township, and school boards and was involved in community affairs.

He enjoyed baseball as a young man as a player, coach, and occasional umpire. He was in C.C.C. camp in the Black Hills for a time. He spent most of his life farming in Wheaton Township.

Ed is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty, and his ten children: Joe (Joan), Fairmont, MN; Jim (Sheryl), Idaho Falls, ID; Mike (Linda), Chancellor, SD; Mary (Steve) Knight, Albany, OR; Pat (Tracy), Redfield, SD; Dave (Deb), Redfield, SD; Dan (fiancé. Susan Manning), Zell, SD; Francis (Sue), Redfield, SD; Ken (Roni), Woodinville, WA; and Sharon (Don) Vestal, Brookings, SD, 26 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Edna Noonan, Washington, MO, and one brother, Arthur, Ashton, SD, and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lena Schaffer, his brothers, Albert "Ambrose" and George, two infant brothers, Paul and Nicholas, and two infant grandsons, Matthew and Timothy.

He dedicated his life to his family, faith, and hard work. He loved children, particularly babies, and will be fondly remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

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